The new cases of HIV/AIDS are being reported in Indonesia tend to increase. for over two decades, the Indonesian government has issued policies to reduce the number of cases through several ministries and local governments, but the results have not indicated signs of success. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the failure of prevention policies to improve policymaking in the future. It focuses on policy and institutional substance aspects using a qualitative design with documentary analysis approach. The results show that the policy failure in dealing with cases is caused by inappropriate rationalization, medicalization, and weak institutional and regulatory roles. Based on these descriptions, stakeholders are expected to emphasize a multi-perspective and holistic approach and rationalize policy objectives with institutional capacity. Moreover, the government needs to increase public and community involvement, strengthening the role of religious leaders and the media, and increase public literacy regarding HIV/AIDS.